Francine Pascal, celebrated author of the 'Sweet Valley High' series that captivated generations of young readers, died Sunday in Manhattan at age 92 due to lymphoma, her daughter confirmed.

Pascal, a New York native who transformed young adult literature with her iconic 'Sweet Valley High' series, passed away at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Her books, which detailed the lives of the fictional Wakefield twins, became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 200 million copies worldwide and spawning several sequels and spin-offs. Pascal's work not only entertained but also addressed complex adolescent issues, leaving a lasting impact on readers and the literary world.

Born Francine Paula Rubin on May 13, 1932, in Manhattan, Pascal grew up in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York City. She pursued journalism at New York University before embarking on a diverse career in writing and editing.

Pascal's early career saw her writing for gossip outlets such as 'True Confessions' and 'Modern Screen.' She later contributed to prominent magazines including 'Cosmopolitan' and 'Ladies’ Home Journal.' Her knack for storytelling soon led to television, where in the 1960s, alongside her second husband John Pascal, she wrote for the soap opera 'The Young Marrieds.'

In 1977, Pascal ventured into young adult fiction with her debut novel, 'Hangin’ Out With Cici.' The book's success led to a television adaptation, paving the way for her subsequent works. She continued with 'My First Love and Other Disasters' in 1979 and 'The Hand-Me-Down Kid' in 1980, both of which cemented her talent for capturing the adolescent experience.

The tipping point of Pascal's career came in 1983 with the creation of 'Sweet Valley High.' The series followed the lives of identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield in the fictional Los Angeles suburb of Sweet Valley. The books encompassed themes of dating, family conflicts, sibling rivalries, and more serious issues such as race, divorce, and mortality, resonating deeply with the teenage demographic.

Initially, Pascal penned the first 12 books in the series herself, each story emerging with vivid characters and relatable conflicts. As the demand for more stories grew, she oversaw a team of writers who worked with her detailed notes and series 'bible,' ensuring a consistent voice and thematic continuity.

The success of 'Sweet Valley High' was monumental. More than 150 books were published over the course of almost 20 years, and the series sold more than 200 million copies worldwide. The franchise's popularity extended beyond books, inspiring TV adaptations and a dedicated fan base.

'Sweet Valley High' not only entertained but also tackled real-life issues faced by adolescents. Pascal's dedication to reflecting both the lighthearted and challenging aspects of teen life made her work stand out in young adult literature. The series' portrayal of high school life encapsulated values such as sacrifice, love, loyalty, and friendship.

The book series expanded into multiple spin-offs and sequels, including 'Sweet Valley Confidential' in 2011 and 'The Sweet Life' in 2012, which revisited the Wakefield twins as adults. These additions continued to draw attention and nostalgia from long-time readers.

Francine Pascal's influence on young adult literature is undeniable. Through her remarkable body of work, she created a legacy that has touched the lives of millions of readers across generations.

Pascal's personal life included two marriages, first to Jerome Offenberg, with whom she divorced in 1963, and then to John Pascal, who passed away in 1981. She is survived by her daughters Laurie and Susan, as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.